³ For I was overjoyed when some brothers and sisters arrived and testified to your faithfulness to the truth, how you walk in the truth.^(A)

Truth and Love

⁴ I was overjoyed to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as we have been commanded by the Father.

² because of the truth that abides in us and will be with us forever:

⁴ I have no greater joy than this, to hear that my children are walking in the truth.^(A)

Timothy’s Encouraging Report

⁶ But Timothy has just now come to us from you and has brought us the good news of your faith and love. He has told us also that you always remember us kindly and long to see us, just as we long to see you.^{(A) 7} For this reason, brothers and sisters, during all our distress and persecution we have been encouraged about you through your faith. ⁸ For we now live, if you continue to stand firm in the Lord. ⁹ How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before our God because of you?

¹⁹ For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you?^{(A) 20} Yes, you are our glory and joy!

⁷ This you learned from Epaphras, our beloved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on our^[a] behalf,^{(A) 8} and he has made known to us your love in the Spirit.

⁴ always in every one of my prayers for all of you, praying with joy

Paul’s Prayer

¹⁵ I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love^[a] toward all the saints, and for this reason ¹⁶ I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers,^(A)